Reference and Research Assistance

Both the Smith Library and the Health Sciences Library provide personalized reference and research assistance to students, faculty and staff in locating information and using library resources. Reference librarians have developed a series of guides and discovery tools to enable users to be more efficient in their research. Librarians direct students to quality resources. They help students and faculty evaluate print and digital content, and provide expert advice on citing information resources. Librarians provide technical expertise with library–related apps for mobile devices and help students with campus printing. Reference librarians also provide guidance to students to avoid plagiarism and advice to faculty on the nuances of copyright.

The principal contacts for reference service in Smith Library are Andy Kulp and Cindy Thomas for undergraduate students, and Rosemary Green for graduate students. In the Health Sciences Library, Denise Blake provides reference and research assistance. However, all professional librarians and other senior library staff share coverage of evening and weekend hours and are prepared to help students and faculty with research during those times. The demand for assistance can be intense at times during the semester, so you may wish to make an appointment with one of the above-mentioned librarians if you have extensive consultation needs. Reference librarians can be found at the Reference Desk or in their offices; they can be contacted by telephone or by email, as well as in person.